It’s not just about food 

The greatest hurdle to understanding gluttony is to think it only pertains to food. Some people can’t have enough toys, television, entertainment, sex or company. Gluttony is about an excess of anything. 

Examples

• Drink – Proverbs 23:29-35
• Food – Proverbs 23:19-21
• Drugs
• Sex
• Video games
• People

It is possible to become so caught up in pleasure, whether food or fun, that we can no longer enjoy other things. It becomes addictive. Neuroscientists tell us, pleasure can actually rewire the pathways in our brains.

The key to overcoming Gluttony is to understand our life is out of balance. We enter into Gluttony when we demand more pleasure from something than it was made for.

Results

The results of Gluttony harm us physically (Addictive behavior harms our bodies), emotionally (Emotional – Addictive behavior harms our spirit) and spiritually (Addictive behavior harms our souls, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; 6:19).

Overcoming Addiction

How can we overcome Gluttony? This is one sin where fellowship is especially helpful. One of Satan’s favorite tricks is trying to convince us we are the only ones dealing with this temptation. Sin thrives in secrecy! That’s why fellowship and confession are so important. You are not alone! Admit your problem and ask for help.

Likewise, recognize the power of sin. It’s not something we can handle by ourselves.

Finally, fill the void! Instead of focusing on not doing it again, focus on God’s gift. He promises us there is always a way out:

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Something to Think About
Review the Seven Deadly sins: 

PEWSLAG: pride, envy, wrath, sloth, lust, avarice, gluttony then rank them:

1. On a scale of 1 to 7 with one being the most difficult to overcome. Why?
2. Which one is most prevalent in our culture?
3. Which one appears the least sinful? Why?

Knowledge

1. Define “Gluttony.” Give some synonyms for it.
2. Paul says our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.
   1. What does that mean?
   2. If that is true, how should we treat our bodies?
3. Addictions rewire our brains. This makes it very difficult to overcome an addiction. 
   1. How do people do it? 
   2. What role does the church and fellowship play in helping people overcome addictions?
4. How does the Holy Spirit help us wrestle with addiction?

Attitude

• There are two schools of thought in overcoming an addiction. One says you need to distance yourself from the addiction and anybody else who has suffered from it lest you be tempted. The other says you must “own your addiction” by admitting you are powerless to resist. These people form support groups. What do you think?

Action

• One of the most important elements of prayer is confession. Try to become more confessional in prayer this week.

Be a Blessing!